In a perfect world, during our center rotations, our students would be on task and working independently. Can this perfect world happen? The answer is YES! But, it takes a lot of training (your students) and skills to manage your literacy centers!
I know at the beginning of the school year I am so excited to get started working with my guided reading groups! You know the moment when you set up centers and say to yourself: "They can handle this, I'm ready to start." But then you get started, and they act as if they know nothing! Have you had this happen? I definitely have!
In the past few years, I've made sure to spend about 6 weeks of "training" my students.
Center Management Tips
- Training- I cannot say this enough. Practice and practice some more! Make sure students know what to do and why they are doing it.
- Rotation Board- I use my Digital Rotation Board to keep me on track! There are 32 different options and I even have timers set up for it. I also have some FREE rotation cards HERE.
3. Ask 3 Before Me- we discuss the ask 3 before me rule. If a student is not sure what they are supposed to be doing during centers, I encourage them to ask a classmate first. Check out some of these Pinterest ideas.
4. Yes/ No Light- where had this been all my life??? I just love my YES/NO lights. I keep them out on my desk so students know if it is ok to ask me a question or not. This is an affiliate link.
I hope some of these management tips come in handy and make your life so much easier!
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